Server Salary in the United States in 2024

Server Salary by State

In the map below, you can check out Server’s salaries across all 50 states in the United States. Just like with other jobs, more developed states will offer higher salaries in comparison to states with a lower economic status.

However, it’s also important to take into consideration the state labor laws in the United States and conduct your own research so you can effectively protect your work rights.

[Calculated using Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Salary.com, Talent.com and Zippia data]

This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data.

Server Salary in Major U.S. Cities

Out of these four cities, Servers are best paid in Los Angeles and Chicago. While Los Angeles is considered a more expensive city to live in than Chicago, it is also one of America’s top entertainment hubs. This means that Servers can find better job offers and career opportunities in California than in Illinois.

[Calculated using Glassdoor, Indeed and Talent.com data]

Among major U.S. cities, Miami is, as usual, ranked as the city with the lowest pay. Although some Americans still see Miami as one of the “most exciting cities”, its labor market is not competitive in comparison to other popular places.

According to the most recent American Community Survey (ACS) that’s released every five years, most of Miami’s residents work in management, business, science and arts.

Factors Affecting the Salary of a Server

Various factors can influence your salary as a Server. Considering this is an entry-level position, it’s possible that it’s also highly competitive.

That is why you want to make sure you are negotiating for the best offer based on your education and experience.

Years of experience

No matter how many years you’ve spent working as a Server, the employer will ask you a couple of interview questions to ensure you’re a good fit for their establishment. You can visit our webpage if you want to thoroughly prepare for the upcoming interview. If you’ve spent a couple of years in this role and you’ve proved yourself as a valuable member to the team, you should be able to negotiate a higher salary.

Educational background

Typically, Servers won’t be asked about their educational background. That is because the hospitality industry appreciates hands-on experience as well as soft skills more than certifications. However, some establishments might ask for food safety licenses or, in case you’re a Fine Dining Server, service etiquette training.

Type of establishment

As a Server, you can work in any establishment that’s serving food – be it a casual setting or fine dining. Apart from the types of guests it attracts, various establishments will also value Servers differently. For example, in high-end restaurants, you can expect to receive a higher salary but also to handle more demanding customers and follow stricter service guidelines.

How To Estimate Your Take-Home Pay as a Server?

You can use this simple calculator to calculate the take-home pay after deducting taxes.

However, bear in mind that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) clearly outlines that tips that you receive might be taxable, as well. This depends on several factors.

That’s why it’s important you keep track of the tips you got for the day. The IRS recommends noting down the dates and any other details that might be relevant, such as tips paid in tickets or vouchers. Lastly, you are obliged to report the tips to your employer, who will take it further with the IRS.

Perks and Benefits for Servers

One of the best things about becoming a Server is that you don’t need any experience to start. This low-entry barrier can help you not only land your first job but also change careers and start in a new field that offers endless possibilities.

When you get hired as a Server, you can expect the following benefits:

Earning tips

If you’re good at what you do, American customers will tip you. Unless the service is terrible, an average customer will pay from 20-25% extra. Since you get to interact directly with the customer by taking their orders, you have a unique chance to leave a great impression and entice them to tip you generously.

Fast-paced environment

Servers can perfect their customer service skills by working in fast-paced environments. In this role, they get to communicate with clients throughout the day. They are also expected to solve problems and be proactive in attending to the customers’ needs.

In this role, Servers also collaborate with the whole team, including Chefs, Waiters/Waitresses and Restaurant Managers. This means they’re spending hours communicating effectively and, potentially, resolving conflicts.

This experience allows them to build valuable skills that can be easily transferable to any other career in the future. Paired with working under pressure with tight time constraints, Servers have an ideal chance to prove themselves and earn a promotion in the field.

Meal discounts

According to the New York Post, the average American spends around $2,500 per year on eating out. Most of the Americans who participated in this survey were also actively using food vouchers and other saving hacks.

Since eating out is becoming increasingly more expensive, it’s worth considering working for a restaurant that provides meal discounts. Depending on the establishment you’re working at, most Servers will be eligible for free meals during and after their shift.

Shift flexibility

Although Servers have set job schedules, they don’t work standard working hours. Their shifts tend to be more flexible as they greatly depend on the business operations. As a result, Servers can easily swap shifts with other fellow Servers and have some control over their schedule.

In most cases, Servers work longer hours during holidays and weekends. For those looking to make some extra bucks, this can be a great way to increase their earnings as, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, employers must pay overtime hours.